Unyielding Call for Accountability: Afenifere Urges Tinubu to Suspend SGF Over Corruption Scandal
Political group, Afenifere, demands the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, due to accusations of corruption.
In a bold and stern stance, the influential Yoruba socio-political organization, the Afenifere, has implored President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, due to alarming corruption allegations surrounding his office. The shady business deals reportedly coordinated by Akume's aide, Torhile Uchi, have prompted this urgent call to action, according to the group.
Recent events have seen Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, attached to the office of the SGF, under the scrutiny of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, Afenifere alleges that Akume's suspected attempts to cover up his potential involvement in the case have stalled the investigation's progress, giving rise to accusations of interference and influence.
In a fiery statement signed by the factional publicity secretary of Afenifere, Bayo Adenuga, the group petitioned President Tinubu to take a definitive stand against corruption by temporarily replacing Akume to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the corruption claims.
"It's frightening that, under the leadership of an administration that has pledged to root out corruption relentlessly, cases like the one currently overshadowed by the SGF and his aide will seemingly be brushed under the rug." the statement emphasized.
The Afenifere further demanded the temporary suspension of Akume to pave the way for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the allegations, which encompass an alleged ₦80 billion money laundering scheme that the pair stands accused of orchestrating.
The group has given the EFCC a seven-day ultimatum to update the public on the investigation's current status, with threats of nationwide protests from the Yoruba nation and all anti-corruption advocates looming if no progress is reported by the deadline.
"A ₦80 billion money laundering crime, exposed by the EFCC with taxpayers' money, cannot be allowed to slip through the cracks," the statement underscored.
Afenifere highlighted the necessity for action, pointing out the stark contrast between Akume's case and that of former SGF Babachir Lawal, whose scandal, while comparatively minor, still required immediate attention at the time.
The group warned that not only is this case a test for the EFCC, but it must also demonstrate that it is not a powerless organization that lacks the resolve to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The eyes of the nation are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
While expressing support for President Tinubu's administration and its anti-corruption drive, Afenifere reminded the President that zero tolerance for corruption among high-ranking officials is an essential aspect of a credible fight against graft.
"In defence of our support for your anti-corruption agenda, Mr. President, we will not hesitate to collaborate with you in exposing and prosecuting corrupt individuals, regardless of their status," the statement concluded.
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- The Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba organization, has urged President Tinubu to temporarily suspend the SGF, George Akume, over corruption allegations.
- The alleged interference by Akume in the investigation of his aide, Torhile Uchi, under the scrutiny of the EFCC, has prompted this call for action.
- The group is demanding a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the allegations involving Akume and Uchi, who are accused of an ₦80 billion money laundering scheme.
- Afenifere has given the EFCC a seven-day ultimatum to update the public on the investigation's status, threatening nationwide protests if no progress is reported.